By Richard Gyde of the RUHX: This July, RUHX, the official charity of the RUH Bath, are excited to be launching a new major fundraising campaign to expand innovative new PET-CT scanning technology at the hospital.
A PET-CT scanner is a versatile, powerful tool in modern healthcare, providing critical insights across multiple treatment areas including many different cancers, dementia and rheumatic, neurological and cardiac diseases. Its ability to combine functional and structural imaging makes it indispensable for early diagnosis, precise treatment planning and monitoring this wide range of diseases.
The RUH Medical Physics and Radiology teams currently perform over 1,700 individual scans annually and demand is increasing every year. With the new campaign providing the latest scanning technology and increasing the number of uptake rooms, they will be able to carry out up to 5,000 scans per year with the new scanner. PET-CT scanner technology that will provide:
- Earlier detection meaning better outcomes
- Better images from faster scans
- Lower radiation exposure
- More capacity, meaning shorter wait times.
Head of Nuclear Medicine Sarah Cade told us “This new PET-CT scanner represents a significant leap forward in medical imaging technology, combining the best of Positron Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography. This advanced technology will enable us to detect and diagnose
conditions like cancer, dementia, and rheumatology diseases with unprecedented accuracy and at much earlier stages. With the help of RUHX supporters, we can maintain our position at the forefront of medical innovation and continue to deliver the very best healthcare services to our community.”
Patient David Barton, from Bath, who recently had pre and post treatment PET-CT scans at the RUH Bath said: “Both PET-CT scans gave me peace of mind. The first confirmed the cancer didn’t spread to my lungs, so that is great – and the second scan was confirming, yes, it’s gone. It was such a relief.”
David’s story highlights why PET-CT scans are so vital in diagnosing and managing treatment. They
don’t just provide images — they offer certainty, direction, and hope. From diagnosing the extent of
disease to confirming successful treatment, these scans help patients move forward with confidence and often get back to enjoying life with friends and family.
Now in its 26th year RUHX has, most recently, helped the RUH Bath complete and open their stunning new Dyson Cancer Centre, bring groundbreaking Robotic Surgery and its benefits to patients, and extend the hospitals Breast Care Unit
Rhyannon Boyd, Associate Director of RUHX said about this latest new RUHX campaign “The existing PET-CT scanner is nearing its life expectancy, and technology has significantly advanced since 2016. The latest scanners are three times more sensitive, providing clearer results and faster scans, which is crucial for improving patient care. Our PET-CT campaign you will be something extraordinary in helping to push the boundaries of what is possible for patient care.“
To find our more and support our new £4 million campaign please visit: www.ruhx.org.uk/pet-ct/
For more information about RUH Bath visit: www.ruh.nhs.uk
